There’s no denying that having your roof repaired or replaced is an expensive job. If you need that work done, you want to get the best roofing contractor possible for that money. Once you start looking around, you’ll see so many contractors, so how do you find the best one for you? Here’s what you should look for when hiring a roofing contractor.
1. Referrals and Recommendations
The very first thing you want to know about any roofing contractor is whether others would recommend them. If they have other happy customers, then that’s a good sign. The first place to find them is with your friends and family. Do they have any area roofers that they can recommend to you?
This is a great way to find a roofer, as you’ll know they’re being honest with you. You can also go to review sites like Angi and Yelp, as they will help you search for roofers in your area. Customers can leave independent reviews here, so you know it’s their objective opinion. Sites like the BBB are helpful, too, as they will show you how reputable that roofer is.
2. Physical Address
This is something you may not have considered looking for, but it’s more important than you’d think. Any reputable builder should have a physical office base. The location of that office should be available on their site and other listings online. A freely available address shows you that the business is properly registered and is a sign that they’re genuine. When you have contact details like the address, it’s also beneficial should you need to contact the roofer’s office when they’re working on your roof.
3. Roofing Contractor’s References
When talking to potential roofers, speak with them about any references they may have from past customers. They should be able to provide you with those references, which will show you the work they completed for a customer, as well as comments from them about their work. These references may also be on their website. That’s quite common, as they can easily upload photos of their past work to their site. Make sure you look at these, as they will show you what they can do for your home.
4. Licensing and Insurance
Here’s something that you can’t afford to ignore with your roofer. Having a license and insurance means that the roofer is fully covered in experience, as they’ll have had to go through multiple tests to get the permit in the first place. Insurance will cover them in case of any accidents on the job. That’s especially important as roofing is so potentially dangerous. When considering a roofer, ask them to show you the evidence of their license and insurance. Most good roofers will be more than happy to show you.
5. Multiple Roofing Contractor Quotes
If you’re shopping around for a roofer to handle your roof replacement, you won’t want to go with the first one you see. While that roofer may be more than capable, you still need to ensure you’ve looked around, as there are many options. It’s recommended that you look into at least three roofers and get quotes from them before you go ahead and sign on the dotted line. That allows you to compare them and see what they offer you.
6. Experience History and Background
Some things will tell you about the roofer’s experience, such as their references on the website and the license they hold. However, if you hire someone to work on your roof, you’ll want to know just what they’re experienced in and capable of. Don’t be afraid to ask the roofer how long they’ve been in business and how long they’ve been in the industry. Be aware that the company itself may not have been around that long, but the roofer in question could still have decades of experience in the business.
7. Project Completion Timeline
If you are thinking of using a particular roofer, ask them how long it would take for them to get the job done. All roofers will have different time frames, depending on their other current jobs, staffing levels, and so on. They should be upfront about how long it will take to start your roofing job and how long it will take to finish it. You’ll then need to make a decision based on the urgency of the job in question.
8. Warranty and Coverage
Any good roofer will take pride in their work, so they should be offering you warranties on your new roof. If you’re considering a particular roofer, ask them if they can provide you with a warranty on their work. They should be able to offer two different warranties:
- Workmanship Warranty. Workmanship’s warranty will cover you against any issues that happen thanks to mistakes made during the installation process.
- Manufacturer Warranty. Manufacturer’s warranty will cover any defects in the roofing materials themselves.
Any good roofer should offer both guarantees to their customers.
9. In-Person, Written Estimates
If a roofer gives you a quote on your new roof, they should do it in person. When asking for a quote, ensure the roofer will come to your home to do it. These quotes should be free, and they should go and thoroughly inspect your roof first. You want the roofer to do this as it ensures they know exactly what your roof looks like and what needs to be done. That helps them give you a more accurate price.
Final Takeaway
Hiring a reliable and trustworthy roofing contractor is one of the most important steps for your project. Hire the right one and you can relax knowing that your project is in good hands. Hire the wrong one and you could be facing a wide range of problems from unfinished work to being sued if workers aren’t paid. Consider verifying these nine things before hiring and signing a contract.
Consider these nine things when you’re looking for a roofer, and you’ll be able to find one that’s right for you. These things will verify they are reputable roofing contractor that you can trust.
